Objective assessment of spasticity, strength, and function with early exhibition of dantrolene sodium after cerebrovascular accident: a randomized double-blind study.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine whether early exhibition of Dantrium (Dantrolene Sodium) in patients with cerebrovascular accidents, before the onset of significant spasticity, would enhance the functional outcome of rehabilitation. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in the trial and 31 satisfactorily completed the study. A modified Cybex isokinetic dynamometer was used to gather information on strength and muscle tone. Clinical, functional, and biochemical data were also collected. It was found that Dantrium reduced strength in the unaffected limbs but did not alter strength in the paretic limbs. Dantrium produced no alteration in clinical tone, functional outcome, or biochemical tests at the dosage (200 mg per day) used in this study.